Depression Memes w/ Lexi

An episode of Boyz Do Cry | mental health conversations

Authentic and honest conversations about mental health. Hosted by two students Ram Reyes and Paulina Rodriguez-Ruiz, each week we talk about how we are feeling — how we are actually feeling — and try to make sense of the things going on in our heads. We invite guests — ranging from our personal friends or mental health professionals — to share their stories and talk about their experiences.

DISCLAIMER: We are not mental health professionals. Just two open individuals talking from experience. Please seek professional help if you are in need.

Masculinity. One of the reasons we named this podcast "Boyz Do Cry" is because of the common notion that boys aren't allowed to cry. We wanted to directly oppose that belief and hopefully through talking about our emotions, we can have the space for men and everyone else to let themselves be heard. With previous guests of the pod, Jason, Jorge, Tommy & Marco, we open the discussion about that big M word and discuss all shades of masculinity, from the toxic to the parts of it we're proud of owning.
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Ram's Twitter/Insta: @oversharin
Paulina's Insta: @elnopalverde

On this episode of Boyz do Cry Blanca, a “dreamer” (DACA recipient), and Virgo shares her experience immigrating to the United States. She talks about the roadblocks she’s experienced in her personal, professional, and academic life due to her immigration status. We talk about what it means to be “home,” and she shares the constant fear, and anxiety she faced growing up. Blanca & the Boyz explore the complexities of adjusting to a new country, culture, and language. Blanca is pursuing a career in psychology and is currently a case manager for individuals with severe mental health within the legal system. She continues to pursue her dreams despite the many roadblocks in her path, she shares how her struggles became her driving force molding her into the person she is now.
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Boyz Do Cry Spotify playlist: bit.ly/boyzplaylist
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Ram's Twitter/Insta: @oversharin
Paulina's Insta: @elnopalverde

Radio DJ and producer Qwnn join the Boyz today and talk about his childhood experiences and how those traumatic events affected his life later on. He talks through the many things that happened in his childhood, from running away from home to taking care of a dying former prisoner that taught him life lessons. Qwnn shares how his love of music and comic books helped him get through everything. His friend Carl also shares his experiences with bipolar disorder and share his struggles.
The song we used from the intro and outro is from Qwnn's newest album "Estar Roto." It's called "Broken"
Estar Roto is out on Dec. 7 on all streaming platforms.
Qwnn's Insta: @qwnn.hyh
Carl's Insta: @armadavision
Hopeless Yet Happy: @hopelessyethappy
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Boyz Do Cry Spotify playlist: bit.ly/boyzplaylist
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Ram's Twitter/Insta: @oversharin
Paulina's Insta: @elnopalverde
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Boyz Do Cry Spotify playlist: bit.ly/boyzplaylist
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Twitter/Insta: @boyzdocrypod
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Paulina's Insta: @elnopalverde

We were extremely drunk when we recorded this special Thanksgiving episode on the floor of Ram’s house, and honestly I have no idea what we talked about (my drunk alter ego La Chica Carmen came out). This year has been surreal, it’s been full of highs and lows but I realize how fortunate I am to be able to laugh through my emo moments with Ram. This podcast started off from a lot of pain, and it’s been amazing to see how it’s transformed our lives. Each conversation has healed me in some way, and helped me accept different parts of myself. We have no idea what the future holds in terms of the Boyz since I’m moving away, and if we encounter a deep deep abyss in the future I am grateful for the things we accomplished. Thank you to everyone who shared their stories with us, and trusted us even though we like barely knew each other lol. The holidays can suck sometimes so listen to this if you want to laugh, there is singing, and incoherent rambling. Thank you to everyone who’s listened to us, and supported us, we family, especially since you know our deepest traumas, and vulnerabilities. Lol.
-Paulina/La Chica Carmen
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Boyz Do Cry Spotify playlist: bit.ly/boyzplaylist
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Join us this episode as we share space and talk about working within the field of mental health with Mitch Collins, a program director for a program working with individuals with mental illness in that face the legal system, and Ryan Smith, in process to get his LCSW. Both have extensive experience in the mental health field and this episode of Boyz gives a lot of insight in the inner workings of the mental health system as a whole. We also talk about Mitch and Ryan's own individual journeys and how their path led them to what they do today. They show also how mental health workers deal with their own health and, at the end of the day, they're humans just like us but individuals that chose to hear out the pain of people that often go unspoken.
Mitch and Ryan are also starting their own podcast called "Radical Minds" talking more about their experiences working in the mental health field. If you liked this episode and want to hear more from them, take a listen and go support fellow mental health podcasters!
Radical Minds Podcast: anchor.fm/radicalminds
Twitter: @RadicalMindsPod
Instagram: Radicalmindspodcast
Email: radicalmindspodcast@gmail.com
Send us a voice message on Anchor or email us at boyzdocrypod@gmail.com
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Boyz Do Cry Spotify playlist: bit.ly/boyzplaylist
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Facebook: Boyz Do Cry
Twitter/Insta: @boyzdocrypod
Ram's Twitter/Insta: @oversharin
Paulina's Insta: @elnopalverde

Radio host, LMFT and co-host of The Hilarious Humanitarians podcast Frances Echeverria aka "Skippy" come on and talk with the Boyz about the process behind therapy from the therapist point of view. Working as a radio host and a licensed marriage and family therapist, Frances talks about her own practice and how she balances the two. We get into a lot of topics in this episode ranging from body image, motherhood and toxic masculinity. I hope y'all take away something from it!
Skippy's Website: shutupskippy.com
Skippy's Radio Show on New Rock 104.1: http://www.newrock1041.fm/2018/05/22/the-morning-after-with-skippy-wake-up-proper-weekdays/
Hilarious Humanitarians Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hilarious-humanitarians-podcast/id1317477433?mt=2
Send us a voice message on Anchor or email us at boyzdocrypod@gmail.com
Please consider supporting us here on Anchor: anchor.fm/boyzdocry/support
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Boyz Do Cry Spotify playlist: bit.ly/boyzplaylist
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Facebook: Boyz Do Cry
Twitter/Insta: @boyzdocrypod
Ram's Twitter/Insta: @oversharin
Paulina's Insta: @elnopalverde

In this episode we dive into the increasing difficulties of academia and mental health, and the benefits of creating a strong support system. We talk to Alex and Janet, members of M.E.Ch.A (the Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlan) about their involvement in community organizing. They talk about their experience as activists, and how they have found support and healing through M.E.Ch.A. Alex shares his tips for opening up to the men around him, and Janet dives into the struggles of living on your own and balancing school.
Alex's Instagram: @lxg17
Send us a voice message on Anchor or email us at boyzdocrypod@gmail.com
Please consider supporting us here on Anchor: anchor.fm/boyzdocry/support
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Boyz Do Cry Spotify playlist: bit.ly/boyzplaylist
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Facebook: Boyz Do Cry
Twitter/Insta: @boyzdocrypod
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"Anger is a mask"
We dive deep with our good friend Marco about how anger hides the pain that we are feeling inside. Anger comes from many sources but finding the root of the pain anger hides usually leads to childhood trauma. And oooo boy we do get into it this episode! At the end of the day, anger is just grief in disguise and we talk through the ways we could release that anger.
Come be angry with us this episode!
Marco's Insta: @therosauce
Marco's Fitness Programming: @rosauceprogramming
Send us a voice message on Anchor or email us at boyzdocrypod@gmail.com
Please consider supporting us here on Anchor: anchor.fm/boyzdocry/support
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Boyz Do Cry Spotify playlist: bit.ly/boyzplaylist
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Twitter/Insta: @boyzdocrypod
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Two artists, Justus and Steelo, join us today on the pod to talk a lot about their relationship with spirituality/religion, music and how that helps them with their mental health. While not all of you are probably religious or spiritual, I think their lived experience gives good insight in how other people use their spirituality to help them through their life and maybe you can give it a try yourself!
Justus' Insta: @justusshakur
Steelo's Insta: @AmerikanSteelo
Thank you to Jemimah and Vicente from 1418 Fulton for letting us record in their store this episode.
Send us a voice message on Anchor or email us at boyzdocrypod@gmail.com
Please consider supporting us here on Anchor: anchor.fm/boyzdocry/support
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Boyz Do Cry Spotify playlist: bit.ly/boyzplaylist
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Facebook: Boyz Do Cry
Twitter/Insta: @boyzdocrypod
Ram's Twitter/Insta: @oversharin
Paulina's Insta: @elnopalverde

CW: Sexual Abuse, Suicide
SZN 2 is here and we're ready to unpack some more trauma and deal with it in a constructive way! SZN 2's theme is Foundations and we're trying to make a good solid foundation for our mental health and hope you will join us in this journey.
Send us a voice message on Anchor or email us at boyzdocrypod@gmail.com
Please consider supporting us here on Anchor: anchor.fm/boyzdocry/support
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Boyz Do Cry Spotify playlist: bit.ly/boyzplaylist
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Twitter/Insta: @boyzdocrypod
Ram's Twitter/Insta: @overshare.png
Paulina's Insta: @elnopalverde

We made it y'all! We didn't think we'd make it here. On this SZN 1 finale, we record IN THE WILD -- and by wild we mean a park. We reflect on what we learned this season -- from our guests, experiences and from each other. We also talk about our plans for SZN 2! From the bottom of our hearts, Paulina and Ram would like to thank you for listening to this podcast. Still amazes us that people listen!!
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Please consider supporting us here on Anchor, August and September Earnings will go to buy Adrianna's young gardeners supplies (From EP 11): anchor.fm/boyzdocry/support
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Boyz Do Cry Spotify playlist: bit.ly/boyzplaylist
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Ram's Twitter/Insta: @_ramuel
Paulina's Insta: @elnopalverde

Gardening is often cited as a way to relieve stress. But Adrianna proves that it's more than just that. She talks about her experience volunteering in a juvenile correctional facilities and help growing a garden with young people that society seemed to have forgotten. It's a touching and inspiring account of how a simple garden can teach so much.
Check out Scott Neumyer's podcast "Anxiety Diaries": http://anxietydiariespodcast.com/
Send us a voice message on Anchor or email us at boyzdocrypod@gmail.com
Please consider supporting us here on Anchor, August and September Earnings will go to buy Adrianna's young gardeners supplies: anchor.fm/boyzdocry/support
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Boyz Do Cry Spotify playlist: bit.ly/boyzplaylist
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Facebook: Boyz Do Cry
Twitter/Insta: @boyzdocrypod
Ram's Twitter/Insta: @_ramuel
Paulina's Insta: @elnopalverde

Our friend Anjannae talks about her experience living with an eating disorder, Bulimia, and the process of therapy -- from making the decision to doing homework that her therapist gives her.
Anjanae's Book, "Bees and Weeds" (BUY IT!!!): https://amzn.to/2LiIJ0A
Find affordable therapy in your area:
youfindtherapy.com
openpathcollective.org
Eating in the Light of the Moon: https://amzn.to/2BAAH3O
Lessons from the Mental Hospital: https://youtu.be/NHHPNMIK-fY
Send us a voice message on Anchor or email us at boyzdocrypod@gmail.com
Please consider supporting us here on Anchor: anchor.fm/boyzdocry/support
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Boyz Do Cry Spotify playlist: bit.ly/boyzplaylist
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Facebook: Boyz Do Cry
Twitter/Insta: @boyzdocrypod
Ram's Twitter/Insta: @_ramuel
Paulina's Insta: @elnopalverde

We talk this week with Paulina's longtime friend, Chris, about his experience with bipolar disorder. We get into the events leading up to his breakdown that eventually got him to go get help and get diagnosed. Bipolar disorder is one of the more misunderstood mental illnesses, usually pictured as an unhinged, moody person. Hopefully this episode illuminates some misunderstanding as we get into the symptoms, most notably mania/hypomania and the difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II. Also, Ram finds out he might be Bipolar II lol.
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Boyz Do Cry Spotify playlist: bit.ly/boyzplaylist
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Twitter/Insta: @boyzdocrypod
Ram's Twitter/Insta: @_ramuel
Paulina's Insta: @elnopalverde

TW: Suicide, Suicide Ideation, Sexual Abuse
If you're a millennial, you've probably seen depression memes and on some level relate to it. We discuss the joys and pitfalls of identifying too much with the memes. We talk about our first mental breakdowns and the thought process of suicide ideation from the suicidal person's perspective. It's not as heavy as it sounds. Well, not to Ram or Lexi.
On the original EP 02 being deleted: We had to delete episode 02 as per the other party anonymously mentioned on the original episode. We decided to delete it out of respects to their wishes. We don't know if we can ever fully talk about it without the other parties' blessing but we felt the need to address it. We want to be as honest and upfront with our audience and we thought this was the best way to go about it. Thank you for understanding. Hope you enjoy this new episode!

Do you love our theme song? We sure do and the man behind the song is as amazing as the song. This week, Jalen joins us to talk about so many topics, I didn't really know what to call the episode. The best summary is "Life Lessons." Jalen shares his story of experiencing both poverty and wealth, anxiety, depression, love, the African-American experience, and so much more.
__________________
Jalen's Insta: @f00d_four_th0ugh
Please send us suggestions of topics you would like for us to explore. Send us a voice message on Anchor or email us at boyzdocrypod@gmail.com
Follow us on the socials!
Facebook: Boyz Do Cry
Twitter/Insta: @boyzdocrypod
Ram's Twitter/Insta: @_Ramuel
Paulina's Insta: @elnopalverde

On this episode, we talk to our friends Tommy and Eric about their experiences as gay men in 2018. We talk about the problems plaguing the gay community right now such as the epidemic of loneliness, gay men having the high rates of depression/anxiety and their own personal stories of coming out and being in relationships-- all these intertwined issues contributes to their mental health. It's a very packed episode and hope it helps our LGBT listeners

TW: Suicide, Self-Harm
This week, we talk to Marisol, an artist and friend who suffers from Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). We discuss what exactly BPD is, how it affects her life and ways she's healed/coped through it all. We also dive into her experiences at a psychiatric holding facility and coping through depression memes. Ram also finds out he might also have BPD lol.
DISCLAIMER: We are not mental health professionals. Just two open individuals talking from experience. Please seek professional help if you are in need. We are not a substitute for professional help and we encourage you to seek it out!
Marisol's Instagram: @mari.the.soul
Follow us on all the socials:
Facebook: Boyz Do Cry
Insta & Twitter: @BoyzDoCryPod
Theme Song: Purpose by SO SELF EXPLANATORY on SoundCloud

Sometimes depression can lead to the creation of art. But will our creativity disappear if we try and treat our depression? Is our art rooted from depression? These are some of the questions we explore with artist Crystal (@GooeyStranger on Instagram) and as well as her experience/work with "Youth in Mind," a nonprofit organization in California helping youth impacted by the mental health system, a system we discuss needs rehauling.
More talking points: therapy stories, astrology and holistic healing
DISCLAIMER: We are not mental health professionals. Just two open individuals talking from experience. Please seek professional help if you are in need. We are not a substitute for professional help and we encourage you to seek it out!
Theme Song: Purpose by SO SELF EXPLANATORY on SoundCloud

This week, Ram talks to Ashleigh Panoo and Julease Graham, two mothers in their twenties that got pregnant during their late teens. They discuss the many struggles of being a young mother such as carving out time for themselves, managing anxiety and the responsibility--and joy--of raising a child.
Julease's Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_RsnT1BC8M
Our theme song is "What's the Purpose - SO SELF EXPLANATORY" check him out on SoundCloud!

CW: Suicide, Depression, Anxiety, Sexual Trauma, Childhood Abuse
In our first episode of "Boyz Do Cry," Ram and Paulina introduce ourselves and talk about why we're starting this mental health podcast. We open up about our own traumas and experiences regarding mental health. Please tune in and send us any voice messages about topics you want us to talk about through the Anchor app! We are going to have guests from time to time and talk about their own experiences.
Our theme song is "What's the Purpose - SO SELF EXPLANATORY" check him out on SoundCloud!